Bill looks to warn swimmers of Lake Michigan conditions

LANSING, Mich. — State lawmakers are looking at a bill that would warn swimmers on Michigan public beaches about lake conditions.

The Times Herald in Port Huron reports (http://bwne.ws/yVmDcC ) Saturday that the bill calls for a system of colored flags at beach entrances. It would not apply to inland lakes or ponds.

The bill is going through the Senate and is modeled after a Florida program.

Colors of the flags would indicate whether it's safe for swimming, if the water is clean, wind or wave conditions and if there are undertows or riptides.

The legislation was introduced to address the high numbers of people who have drowned in West Michigan. Forty-four people drowned last year in Lake Michigan.

Some parks officials worry that maintaining the system would stress manpower and funding.